Imagine standing in front of your arch rival. You disagree with them. You compete with them. Maybe you even defeat them. But before you walk away, you acknowledge an undeniable truth: They fought the good fight and deserve the credit.This is the enduring message behind the Turkish proverb “It’s old, it’s okay“-Literally, “Kill the brave man, but do not give him his due.” Although these words sound dramatic to modern ears, it is not a call for violence. Rather, it is a powerful metaphor for fairness: even if you oppose someone, you should never deny their competence, courage, or due recognition.Rooted in Turkish folk wisdom, this saying continues to resonate today because it supports a principle that transcends cultures and generations – justice should never fall victim to rivalry.
What does this proverb really mean
This proverb is made up of two important Turkish words.is the first “Yeegit,” Which means brave, honorable or brave person. Traditionally, the term refers not only to physical courage but also integrity and moral strength.the second one is “Right,” A rich concept in Turkish meaning one’s right, due, entitlement or what is due. idiom “Hakkani Yeme” Literally meaning “eat no one’s due,” it is an idiomatic expression. Don’t deny anyone the credit, recognition or justice they deserve.Together, this proverb teaches a simple but profound lesson: You may disagree with someone or even defeat them, but you still have to acknowledge their importance.Its closest English equivalents include “Give the devil his due” And “Credit where credit is due.”
Where did this saying come from?
Like many traditional Turkish proverbs, Its exact origin is unknown. No historical evidence attributes it to any specific person, ruler or literary work.Instead, it belongs to Türkiye’s rich oral tradition, where proverbs were passed down through generations long before they were collected in dictionaries and folklore studies. Turkish linguists classify it as a traditional language. atasözü (proverbs), reflect values that have become embedded in everyday speech over the centuries.This saying also reflects two enduring ideals in Turkish culture: yiğitlik (bravery, honorable conduct) and honesty (Fairness or justice). These concepts have long held an important place in Turkish social life, literature, and moral thought.
Why was this said?
Human beings always find it difficult to praise people whom they dislike.Whether it’s politics, war, sports or personal disagreements, there’s often a temptation to dismiss every accomplishment of an opponent just because they’re on the other side.This saying pushes against that instinct.It reminds people of Objectivity demands separating personal feelings from objective judgment. An opponent does not lose courage just because he is standing against you. A rival’s accomplishment remains real, even if you don’t want to admit it.In other words, justice requires honesty – even when honesty is inconvenient.
How does this proverb reflect Turkish values
Only a few ideas appear more frequently in Turkish language and culture. RightOr justice.expression “Hakkani Yemek” It is widely used in modern Turkey whenever someone believes that another person’s contributions have been ignored or undervalued. saying that someone’s Right To have been “eaten” means that they have been treated unfairly or deprived of what they have rightfully earned.Therefore this saying is beyond praise. It speaks to a broader moral principle: people should be judged according to their actions rather than personal biases.It’s a reminder that honesty is measured not only by how we treat friends, but also by how fairly we treat those with whom we disagree.
Why is it still relevant today?
Although this saying originated in a completely different world, its message feels remarkably contemporary.In sports, supporters often struggle to acknowledge the talent of an opponent player. Yet true sportsmanship recognizes excellence regardless of team loyalty.In workplaces, competition can make coworkers reluctant to appreciate another person’s contributions. Fair leadership, however, depends on recognizing good work wherever it is seen.The same applies to public debate. Political opponents, journalists, academics, and public figures often disagree on major issues. Nevertheless, acknowledging an accurate argument or meaningful achievement strengthens rather than weakens public discussion.This proverb reminds us that recognition is not surrender. Giving someone the credit they deserve doesn’t mean agreeing with everything they say or do.
An eternal lesson of intellectual honesty
One reason this saying endures is that it asks some difficult things of us.It is easy to praise those we admire.It is much more difficult to praise those we oppose.Yet history shows again and again that societies function best when fairness outweighs partisanship. Courts depend on impartiality. Scientific progress depends on recognizing valid evidence, no matter who presents it. Healthy democracies rely on citizens who can accept the facts, even if those facts challenge their own preferences.A Turkish proverb expresses that demanding standard in a few words.Its imagery may belong to another age, but its wisdom is unmistakably modern.In a world where disagreement often turns into hostility, “Yigidi Older, Hakkini Yeme” It provides a lasting reminder that character is revealed not by how generously we treat our colleagues, but by whether we can recognize the merits of those who stand before us.After all, justice begins with giving every person what they are entitled to.